PECO Energy Efficiency & Demand Response Flashcards

PECO's smart meter data can provide customers with interval-level usage data. How does this benefit energy efficiency efforts?

Answer: It allows customers and auditors to identify exactly which hours and activities drive the highest consumption

Granular interval data reveals usage patterns at the hourly or 15-minute level, helping customers and energy professionals pinpoint inefficiencies and high-consumption periods.

In PECO's Act 129 compliance filings, what does 'energy intensity' measure for commercial and industrial customers?

Answer: Kilowatt-hours consumed per unit of output or floor area, used to benchmark efficiency across similar facilities

Energy intensity normalizes consumption by production output or building area, allowing fair comparisons between facilities of different sizes and operations.

Which PECO program specifically targets small businesses with free on-site energy assessments and direct-install measures like LED lighting?

Answer: Small Business Energy Efficiency Program

PECO's Small Business Energy Efficiency Program sends trained contractors to perform audits and install qualifying efficiency measures at no cost to the business owner.

What is 'Measurement & Verification' (M&V) as required in PECO's energy efficiency program reporting to the Pennsylvania PUC?

Answer: A standardized process for quantifying the actual energy savings achieved by efficiency measures after installation

M&V protocols use engineering calculations, metering, or statistical sampling to confirm that projected energy savings were actually realized by installed efficiency measures.

Why is the 'rebound effect' a concern in PECO's energy efficiency program planning?

Answer: Customers may increase usage after efficiency upgrades because operating costs are lower, partially offsetting expected savings

The rebound effect occurs when the cost savings from efficiency improvements lead customers to use energy services more intensively, reducing the net savings below engineering estimates.

Under Pennsylvania Act 129, which entity is responsible for evaluating PECO's energy efficiency programs to ensure reported savings are accurate and cost-effective?

Answer: An independent Statewide Evaluator (SWE) contracted by the Pennsylvania PUC

Act 129 established a Statewide Evaluator role filled by an independent third party contracted by the PUC to verify and evaluate the savings reported by all Pennsylvania electric distribution companies.